Galloway leaves lasting impression on walkers

Some walkers on the Merrick

Published:14:11Tuesday 28 May 2013

The recent Newton Stewart Walking Festival made such an impression on some first-time visitors, they’ve already booked to return next year.

The event, which is organised by a group of local volunteers, ran from 10th to 16th May and featured a total of 29 routes covering the Rhins, Machars and the Galloway Hills. It sought to showcase the varied landscape of the region, including its hills, woodland and coast as well as attractive towns and villages.

Joan Mitchell, chair of the Walking Festival committee said: “The weather was not particularly kind to us at the start of the week, with sun, wind, cloud, hail and rain all in the same walk. Thankfully the weather improved considerably as the week went on.

“I would like to thank everyone who has made this year’s event possible, including our walk leaders, guides, booking and registration staff, evening talk presenters and our bus drivers. It relies on a huge number of volunteers to make the event happen, including many behind the scenes. We value the support we received from various organisations and would also like to thank those who provided financial support for the festival.

“One aspect which is particularly encouraging is that this year’s festival, yet again, attracted many people who had never been to Galloway before and were so impressed with the region that they planned to return soon.”